The benefits of exercise – prevention of illnesses like stroke and diabetes and weight loss – cannot be overemphasized to anybody who lives a sedentary life when an active life can be adopted!
You must, however, never tread lightly on exercise. The risk of physical injuries, which can worsen existing medical conditions and create new ones, is an ever-present threat. Safety precautions and style considerations must be taken.
1. First, consult your doctor about your level of physical fitness and the types of exercise he can recommend based on his medical evaluation.
This is especially true for those with major health risks like heart disease and asthma, males aged 45 and above as well as women aged 55 and above.
2. Start Slowly.
As the saying goes, don’t try and run before you can walk, and never more is this true than when you are beginning an exercise regime. Attempting too much in the early stages can lead to injuries and can be hard to stick to, going from no exercise to an hour or more a day can be tough to deal with. In the early days aim for around 20-30 minutes exercise a day and build up your fitness gradually. As your sessions become longer and more intense, you should build regular rest days into your exercise schedule.
3. Adopt A Cautious Approach
Whatever exercise you decide to do, you need to make sure you do it safely. If you are lifting weights or running for example, you need to ensure you have good form and sound technique. You need to know your limits and set your goals accordingly. Learn to listen to your body, and always stop if you feel pain or discomfort. Start lifting light weights and concentrate on your technique if you want to start strength training, If you decide to start running, then begin with some brisk walking and light jogging.
4. Exercise in style with the right exercise gear and clothes.
These should facilitate ease of movement during the exercise routines while providing for adequate protection against the elements and the exercise machines.
Start with choosing the right shoes, which should be appropriate for the type of exercise being undertaken. There are many athletic shoes available, and it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist and read up on information.
Choose clothes that flatter the figure and fit well while allowing for sweat to be absorbed. Keep in mind that function and comfort come first but fashion is also important to make you feel good about yourself. And don’t forget the appropriate underwear either.
5.Determine the frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise that you wish to undertake to achieve your fitness goals.
A certified fitness trainer can assist in this matter. The type of exercise safety gear – helmets, pads, sunglasses, UV protection, etc. – will be determined by the above mentioned exercise factors.
In time, you will discover that exercise is all that it is cracked up to be. You will have a better physique and a happier mind set because exercise releases the “happy hormones” in all of us. And that alone should make us happy that we chose to lead active lives!